Guide to Lombok

Guide Contents

Compared with Bali, Lombok is more like the rest of Indonesia: a
sleepy, bucolic landscape of jungle and volcanoes populated by rice
farmers, following a way of life so relaxed it can feel like a film
in slow motion. Precisely because it is so different, Lombok makes
a good counterpart to a Bali trip.

The Oberoi Lombok

The Oberoi Lombok, on Medana Bay, is one of the most beautiful
resorts in Asia. Standard rooms are big and handsome, furnished
with antiques and natural fabrics; villas are stunning. Price rating: 5/5

Tugu Lombok

Sire Beach, Tanjung(00 62 370 620111)

Across the bay from The Oberoi Lombok, Tugu Lombok is a funky,
flamboyant hotel with an emphasis on cultural heritage. Price rating: 3/5

Qunci Pool Villas

Jalan Raya Mangsit, Senggigi(00 62 370 693800)

A bright, contemporary budget hotel with all the essential
services of a luxury resort. Price rating: 1/5

Jeeva Klui

Klui Beach(00 62 370 693035)

Just north of Senggigi on isolated Klui beach, this is Lombok's
newest resort. Comfortable suites decorated with Sasak crafts set
in tropical gardens. Price rating: 2/5

Novotel Lombok

Kuta Beach(00 62 370 653333)

This four-star is designed as a Stone Age village, situated on
Kuta beach, the best in Lombok. Price rating: 2/5

Senggigi Beach Hotel

Jalan Pantai Senggigi, Mataram(00 62 370 693210)

Few beach resorts in the world can have a more stunning
location: more than a square kilometre of gardens shaded by
immensely tall coconut palms on a gently curving spit of land that
separates two bays. The hotel is thus embraced by two parallel
beaches and a balmy sea breeze, no matter which way the wind blows.
The renovated standard rooms are snug yet comfortable, furnished in
bamboo shabby-chic. The beach bungalows, finished in carved woods,
are in the coconut grove between the two beaches. Three restaurants
offer authentic Indonesian, grilled seafood and Italian cuisine;
the cafés and bars of the Senggigi strip are an easy stroll
away. Price rating: 1/5

Pool Villa Club

Jalan Pantai Senggigi, Mataram(00 62 370 693210)

Adjacent to the Senggigi Beach Hotel and operating under the
same management, yet completely distinct in identity, this cluster
of villas offers the most luxurious accommodation on Senggigi
beach. Sixteen duplex houses surround a lazy lagoon pool, which
encloses a small island accessed by graceful bridges. The interiors
are finished in cool, understated Indonesian style with filigree
teak panels, mosaic tiles and comfortable Javanese furniture.
Amenities are generous, including a Jacuzzi pavilion, Bose sound
system and dedicated butler service. Sofabeds and two baths make
the villa roomy enough for a family of four. Club guests have
privileges at the Senggigi Beach Hotel, but not vice-versa. Price rating: 5/5

Leave us a comment on this story

Lombok is my version of heaven on earth....so sublime that you keep pinching yourself to see if it's a dream instead of reality. Unbelievable landscapes and sea, superb weather (this was in August) sweet, sweet people and delicious food....what more could you want? I've never experienced such relaxation on a holiday. I just hope it doesn't lose its unique character and become another Bali.